Parties can't oust MPs without rules, president says

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said he does not support allowing political parties to remove elected members of parliament without a clear and strong legal framework.

Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday at the President’s Office, Muizzu addressed a question posed by local outlet Dhauru, regarding whether political parties should be able to expel sitting members simply because of internal dissatisfaction. The President stated firmly that such dismissals should not be carried out without due process.

"I do not believe that members should lose their seats just because a few individuals want them out," he said. "It should not be done in a very ordinary way."

In November, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), which holds a majority in Parliament, passed a constitutional amendment that allows members to lose their seats if they resign from their party, join another party, or are expelled according to party laws. The amendment also affects independents who later join political parties. It was ratified on the same day it was introduced.

However, the President noted that the legal framework required to implement this constitutional change is still incomplete.

“The law required when the amendment was passed has not yet been made. It must be done properly, within the law,” he stressed.

He further emphasised the need for stricter standards within party systems to prevent arbitrary decisions.

“Leadership cannot be separated by certain people,” he added.

The controversial amendment is currently under judicial review after it was challenged at the Supreme Court. The prosecution, represented by Attorney General Ahmed Usham, argued for its applicability even to current members. The court allowed the case to proceed, despite recent turbulence within the bench, including the resignation of Justice Husnu Suood, who alleged government interference.